My cat has a sensitive, leaking spot. Should I clean it or see a vet?

Thank you for the picture, it's very helpful. The bleeding may be due to you cleaning the area, as it should not be washed while healing as that disturbs the scab and the healing process. Also stitches should not get wet. In the picture, the skin around the area does not look red or swollen. Please feel the area, and make sure it does not feel warm to the touch; if it does, that means it is infected and Charlie has to go back to the vet now. When the vet said keep the area clean, it means keep the area dry and away from dirt and debris, not to wash it. Please do not wash it again, pat the area dry, and since there was only a bit of bleeding, just monitor it for now. If you see redness, swelling, pus, the skin is warm to the touch, she becomes lethargic, and/or she has a loss of appetite, she needs to see a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

This looks like a site of infection and possibly an abscess if the surrounding area is very swollen. It does sound like she is uncomfortable because of it. I would recommend taking Daisy in to see your vet because she may need antibiotics to help clear it up. It is most likely a skin infection or abscess but since it is centered around her joint there is concern that there could be infection in the joint as well.

Cats are little stinkers! You may have to try a longer than normal rigid e-collar, or you can look for the bowl style that are used in cats. You could try a large tube sock as a dress (cut holes for head and arms). You could attach string or elastic to make "stirrups" that pull the shirt down. As for cleaning, a warm wet washcloth is all that is needed. Though, since it appears red and swollen, I would recommend taking her to the vet for evaluation and possibly to start antibiotics.

Ouch, poor Daisy! That looks quite painful and red, and I would be very concerned about infection. She should see a vet immediately to get this treated. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

Hello, thank you for your question about Luna. In addition to Neosporin you could use a diaper cream on this area to help sooth the irritation. If Luna will allow it you can use a warm wash cloth to gently clean the area and remove debris. You can then apply the diaper cream. If the area continues to be irritated and red I would recommend having Luna seen by her veterinarian as this could lead to a skin infection that may require antibiotics. Hope this helps, good luck!

Thank you for providing images. The area does not look severe enough to arrant an immediate visit. Keep the spot clean and dry. You can place an e-collar (cone) on Lavender to prevent rubbing or pawing. Monitor for increasing redness or hair loss, bleeding, discharge or lethargy. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian sooner rather than later.

Congrats on your new cat! I would not continue to clean the area with peroxide as it actually damages tissues and interferes with wound healing. You can clean the sore with warm water and antiseptic soap. Put an Ecollar on Maggie to keep her from irritating it, and I will put a link below on how to make one at home. Keep an eye on the sore, and if it becomes red, swollen, warm to the touch, or you see pus, then I would be concerned because it's infected. In that case, take her into the vet to get antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps, enjoys your new cat :-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M